Safe way to wash engine...

This is what I typically do with the Tacoma. Though I did have an old Ranger when I was younger that I smoked an alternator on from washing the engine bay and getting water inside it...

 

I think back in the day you had to be more careful... there were times when I had to use a hair dryer to dry out the points before it would start.

 

I'd just say don't personally unless you are selling it. Too many electronics, too few benefits.

 

So, no one uses a pressure washer? Not a big powerful one, but a light duty one. Been thinking about trying that.

 

I use the local spray & wash which is pretty powerful, yes.

 

Bumping this old thread, I apologize. Recently went wheeling in the dusty arizona mountains and my engine bay is filthy. Thinking of going to the local coin op and spraying it down. Might pick up some degreaser but was mainly thinking about just giving it a soak down with water. Did you leave engine running while washing or turn engine off? I have seen people say to leave the engine running and others say to turn it off.

 

I’ve tried the Napa Engine Degreaser spray can once a few years ago, wasn’t a big fan. Did some reading on here and decided to follow the simple route. Cover the battery, alternator and whatever taped up/crimped wiring I have and just spray Simple Green on a cold, dry engine. Let it do its thing for about 10 minutes. Then LIGHTLY spray the engine down, barely pressing the nozzle on the shower setting. If you have a soft bristled brush, you can use that for the hoses and whatever you can reach. I then left the hood open for a few hours to dry. Engine ran no problem the next day. The Napa degreaser had a hesitation and sight bog upon start-up

 

Simple Green or Purple Power in a spray bottle cut with 75-50 percent water. I agitate with a brush. Rinse, Dry and spray down with 303 to protect the plastics and rubber. I do it about every 6 months and the engine back looks almost of the assembly line.

 

Just got back from car wash. 100 degree day, 15 min drive there and back on highway. Popped hood as soon as I got there and started with my truck bed and wheel wells. Hit the engine with some pre-wash and let sit for a minute or so while I rinsed out truck bed and wheel wells. Finished off rinsing out my engine with spot free rinse (lowest setting). I did cover my alternator with a plastic bag, just cause. Didn't get it spotless because I was a little worrisome, but next time I go I'll have nothing to worry about.

 

Don’t use the spin cycle.

 

I've done this right here for years. I also go one step further and use a Master Blaster vehicle dryer to blow most of the water off before starting it. I've never had an issue doing it this way.

 

Just recently did it.



And for those who are worried about water? The engine compartment is not a sealed environment. It's designed to take on some moisture.

I'm not suggesting you attack it with a high powered pressure washer....but garden hose type pressure isn't going to hurt a thing. Been doing this for years

 

I use simple green on a cold engine and rinse off with the water hose and just let it dry about 2 or 3 times a year. No silicon and piss either. aka Armorall.